Harold Dean Leighton, age 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison, South Dakota. A Celebration of Life will be, 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Ellsworth Funeral Home. A private family burial will follow.
Harold was born on February 18, 1936, in Madison, South Dakota, to Arthur and Margaret (Bidwell) Leighton. While attending General Beadle High School in Madison, Harold met Janice Carter, who attended Madison High School. The two were married on October 24, 1954.
As newlyweds, Harold and Janice made their home in Madison before moving to Reseda, California. Harold was a hardworking and talented businessman, owning both a cement business and a camper/RV business. He was also a skilled craftsman who built pole sheds, cabinets, and furniture.
In the summer of 1971, Harold and Janice realized a lifelong dream when they moved back from California to their farm west of Junius. There, they raised cattle, pigs, and also grew crops. The farm became Harold’s happy place, and he continued to live there until shortly before his passing.
Family and friends knew Harold had a favorite spot for just about everything—a particular place on the couch, his “chair” at the kitchen table, and another favorite chair on the front deck. Most evenings, Harold and Janice could be found together on that deck, enjoying each other’s company. Their life together was filled with many years of love, family, hard work, and simple moments that meant the most.
Harold missed his beloved wife every day following her passing in June 2020. They spent nearly every waking moment together, and their life together was a source of great happiness and comfort to him. Harold will be remembered for his hardworking nature, craftsmanship, love of the farm, devotion to his family, and the quiet, familiar places that made him happiest. Most of all, he will be remembered for the life he built alongside Janice and the family they shared.
Harold will be deeply missed by his three sons, Jeff (Grace) Leighton of Canoga Park, California; Kevin (Sandi) Leighton of Brookings, South Dakota; and Clay Leighton of Madison, South Dakota; and his daughter, Kerri (Dan) LaFever of Boise, Idaho. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; his brother, Terry (Janice) Leighton of Eagle, Idaho; and his sister, Audrey (Paul) Kiser of Rio Vista, California.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; his brother, David Leighton, David’s wife, Myrtis; and his daughter-in-law, Jarri Leighton.
